GASTOWN’S NEWEST NIGHTLIFE VENUE: M.I.A

This week, Blueprint events will launch M.I.A – their newest nightlife project that invites guests to ‘live in the moment’ and refrain from taking photos and posting on social media while inside the venue.

M.I.A. offers an inclusive space for alternative strains of electronic dance music. Located at the gateway to Gastown, this legendary space has served as an icon in the city’s nightlife scene, most notably over the past 14 years as Shine Nightclub, renowned for its focus in providing the city’s best underground musical entertainment.

Guests tunnel into the space from 350 Water Street to be greeted by a lush room boasting a mix of futuristic details and abstract L.E.D. installations. The room carries notes of dark, burnt wood and rich tones to compliment its plush communal seating, intimate dance floor and compact DJ booth. Committed to keeping the best clarity and quality in sound, the club uses Funktion One as its preferred soundsystem.

Come get lost in the moment and secure your invite to M.I.A.’s grand opening weekend happening Thurs. March 26th through Sat. March 28th. Visit their website for more details.

IDC X DOUBLEWOOD LAUNCH PARTY

All are invited to the official launch of the IDC x Doublewood collaboration taking place on Saturday, March 28th, 4-6pm at Dutil.

International Design Collective (IDC) has partnered with San Francisco based workshop, Doublewood, for an exclusive run of handmade raw selvedge denim. The Vancouver creative lab has previously worked with Pure Blue Japan and Naked and Famous, gaining a reputation as a purveyor of craftsmanship and street culture.

Dutil will offer only 30 pairs of the exclusive run. Quality, unparalleled fit, and originality shine in their latest collaboration batch, which uses 17.25oz sanforized white line Japanese selvedge denim from Kaihara Mills in a clean, narrow-legged fit.

At the launch party, guests will have the opportunity to speak with founders of both collectives. Come by for a denim education, limited edition threads, and complimentary drinks. The beer selection will celebrate the best of San Francisco, Japan and local crafters in the spirit of Doublewood.

RANDOLPH ENGINEERING TRUNK SHOW

To kick off the new season, Eyeland Framemakers will host a Randolph Engineering Trunk Show from March 26th to March 28th. Characterized by an aviator style, Randolph Sunglasses are made in the USA and known for its durability. Standard military issue since 1982, all Randolph specs are worn by pilots and tested to the most rigorous and demanding use.

For three days, a Randolph Specialist will bring samples of all the sunglasses models that are currently available. Drop by to see the entire collection, try on a few styles and stock up for summer.

PEEK INSIDE THE NEW EGO CLOSET

After a few weeks of renovations, Ego Closet has returned with a new look. The closet has been revamped with neon signage, vintage-inspired lights and fixtures to showcase their collection of edgy fashions. Ego Closet has also upped the ante with new collections by emerging street-inspired labels from Australia, UK, and Korea.

CANADA’S FIRST LUMAS GALLERY OPENS

LUMAS has opened its first Canadian location, a few steps away from the Steam Clock. Both a gallery and retailer, LUMAS offers a handpicked portfolio of sought after works from around the world. With a desire to make museum-quality art accessible to the public, LUMAS carries limited editions and signed originals from over 160 internationally renown artists, who’s work typically costs a fortune.

DESSERT NIGHT OUT

If you’re tempted to indulge in sweet fixings, consider checking out two places that are new to Gastown.

At Soft Peaks, ice cream lovers can dip their spoon in all-natural soft serve made from an original homemade recipe using Avalon Organic Dairy. Owners Dan & Ken Kim create a daily fresh batch from scratch that’s gently sweetened and churned to a rich, creamy consistency, and pair it with premium toppings including yuzu marmalade and Himalayan pink salt. Drop by for a taste between Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm until 9pm.

If a glass of champagne is on your mind, Mosquito offers boutique wines, and scrumptious desserts made by the finest pastry chefs. Guests can nibble on dessert tapas from 5-8pm, or try their signature desserts after 8pm. The new dessert lounge is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm until midnight.

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT 

After a successful stint on the road, Harpdog Brown will return for ‘Therapy Sundays’ at Guilt & Company on March 28th. Known as the Legendary King of Blues, Harpdog will entertain the crowd with a set of hard drivin’ blues. For a preview of what’s to come, check out his cover of a Muddy Waters classic here.

MONDAY MARCH 23

Andrew Endres Collective at Guilt & Company

TUESDAY MARCH 24

Steve Kozak Blues Trio at Revel Room

Live Music Night at The Irish Heather

Motown Cabaret at Guilt & Company

WEDNESDAY MARCH 25

The Revellers at Revel Room

Jen Hodge All Stars at Guilt & Company

THURSDAY MARCH 26

Mike Van Eyes at Revel Room

DJ Take 5 at Milano Espresso Lounge  

Live Music Night at The Irish Heather 

Rock & Reggae with LaBidos Live at The Blarney Stone

Malcom Aiken at Guilt & Company

FRIDAY MARCH 27

DJ Take 5 at Milano Espresso Lounge

The Sheets Live at The Blarney Stone

Dope Soda at Guilt & Company
 

SATURDAY MARCH 28

The Unusual Suspects with DJ Steel at The Blarney Stone

Electric Monks at Guilt & Company

SUNDAY MARCH 29

The Do-Rites at Revel Room

Live Jazz at Pourhouse

Harpdog Brown at Guilt & Company

For more on ‘what’s new’ in Gastown, take a look at our recent post here.